It was a magnificent reception that Madura gave this noon [on April 1] to Lokamanya Bal Gangadar Tilak and his party of the Home Rule Deputation who passed this station on their way to Colombo en route to England. The members of the Reception Committee and a limited number of the prominent gentlemen of this place were on the platform and on arrival of the Boat Mail at 12-13 met Lok. Tilak, Messrs. Khaparde, Bepin Chandra Pal, N.C. Kelkar and Karandikar and conveyed to them the hearty greetings of the citizens of Madura. Messrs. V. Ramachandra Aiyar and K. Ranga Rao, the Secretaries of the Committee, garlanded the great patriots while others that were there strew rose flowers on them and shouted “Tilak Maharaj-ki-jai” and Vandemataram. The Secretaries then took the members of the Deputation in motor cars to the Victoria Edward Memorial Building, which is at a stone’s throw from the Railway Station, where thousands upon thousands of people of all classes had assembled eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lok. Tilak and desiring to have a glimpse of the great patriot and selfless worker in the cause of India. The route from the Station was lined with Policemen and the road sides and the local fund choultries were thronged with anxious crowds. The motor cars and carriages all went in procession slowly to the Hall as the crowds continuously cheered them. At the entrance into the building in the portico, the party were met by Mr. R.S. Nayudu and Mr. M.S. Sesha Aiyangar and were greeted by them. A few Vydeak Brahmins from the Sri Meenakshi Temple and the Vishnu Shrine presented `purnakumbam’ to the party and blessed them by chanting Vedic mantras. The distinguished party were then conducted to the seats on the platform when the whole gathering accorded an enthusiastic ovation the like of which Madura has not witness before. The spacious hall was packed to its utmost capacity, all available space having been occupied, and hundreds of people who could get seating accommodation were standing huddled together outside the hall with great humility and reverence. After the guests had taken their seats, Mr. R.S. Nayudu presented an address of welcome which was neatly printed on a silk cloth.
